The University of Wyoming Cowgirls beat San Jose State victoriously 68-54 in the Dome of Doom.
The Cowgirls started the game strong, scoring seven points less than two and a half minutes into the first quarter. After the seven-point score, San Jose State started to fight back, scoring six points. Despite that scoring, UW kept the lead at 9-6.
Allyson Fertig made a layup and then one free throw shot ending the first quarter with the Cowgirls still in the lead at 30-21.
“Our attention to detail was really good that first quarter,” said Associate Head Coach Ryan Larsen.
“I thought our actions offensively were everything we talked about in practice. Our pace was greater in playing than the way they could guard in that first quarter. I am very proud of the way we played at both ends.”
Well into the second quarter, each team exchanged points back and forth leading up to the media timeout where Wyoming held the lead 27-19.
Coming in hot in the second half, the Cowgirls forced San Jose State into a timeout that was followed by a 3-point shot by Tommi Olsen, making the score 38-23. Grace Ellis made an elbow jumper that ended the pause of points from the Cowgirls, leading them 40-32.
“A big key we have been talking about is coming out strong, be the aggressor, and taking it to them wherever we are,” sophomore Allyson Fertig said.
“We have grown in holding each other accountable to get better. No matter what year, we have all grown and gotten better.”
Opening the fourth quarter, Fertig made back-to-back layups that brought the score up to 48-39. With 7:58 left in the fourth quarter, Tess Barnes made a 3-point shot with another assist from Ellis.
San Jose State would not give up the fight and exchanged scores with the Cowgirls who made the score 55-46. The Cowgirls would then make back-to-back hoops gaining a 60-46 lead. In the last moments of the game, Wyoming swept the floor and secured their victory.
The Wyoming Cowgirls are 15-8 overall and 8-4 in the Mountain West Conference. The Cowgirls will play Utah State on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arena-Auditorium.
